NDLEA Seizes 5.7 Tonnes of Drugs in Kwara, Secures Conviction of 68 Suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has arrested 985 suspected drug traffickers and users, seized more than 5.7 tonnes of illicit substances, and secured the conviction of 68 offenders within the last year.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Fatima Popoola, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ilorin during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Popoola said the seizures and arrests were recorded between June 2025 and June 2026, preventing dangerous drugs from reaching communities across the state.

She explained that Kwara’s strategic location between northern and southern Nigeria has made it a major transit route for drug trafficking, with many significant arrests occurring along the Ogbomosho-Jebba corridor.

According to her, NDLEA operatives recently intercepted 600 blocks of cannabis weighing 304 kilograms concealed in a luxury V8 sports utility vehicle carrying a Federal Government registration plate.

“Just last week, we arrested 600 blocks of cannabis weighing 304 kilograms at Jebba in Moro Local Government Area. Some of the drugs were hidden beneath the vehicle seats,” she said.

Popoola revealed that cannabis remains the most commonly abused and trafficked substance in the state. However, the command also intercepted large consignments of tramadol, skunk, Loud, Colorado, Molly, cough syrups, amphetamine-type stimulants, Rohypnol, Captagon and Tapentadol.

She expressed concern over the increasing circulation of synthetic narcotics and highlighted a recent seizure of Captagon, a powerful stimulant often associated with terrorist and criminal networks.

The commander also warned that traffickers were increasingly exploiting digital platforms to market and distribute drugs. She cited a case involving students who allegedly baked cannabis into cakes and sold them online.

Beyond enforcement activities, Popoola said the agency remained committed to rehabilitation and prevention efforts. She disclosed that 29 drug-dependent persons were admitted into rehabilitation facilities during the review period, while 28 completed treatment successfully.

She also commended the Kwara State Government for implementing drug integrity tests for students and newly recruited teachers, noting that about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers had undergone screening.

Popoola called for stronger community support, urging parents and residents to report suspicious drug-related activities and assist efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse and trafficking across the state.